AISB IB Diploma Program Self-Taught Language and Independent Language Policy
Overview
Non-native English speaking students at AISB have the possibility of studying their mother tongue (L1)1
in the Diploma Program as one their six subjects. This course would be in addition to the Group 1
requirement for all students of either IB English Literature or IB English Language and Literature.
Advantages of Continuing Development in the Mother Tongue Language
If students are eligible, this is an option we as a school strongly encourage given the importance of
mother tongue development in terms of the significant advantages which have been reported
consistently in academic research. We agree with the IB that “Language is integral to exploring and
sustaining personal growth and cultural identity; it is closely linked to the development of a healthy selfesteem and emotional well‑being, both of which are necessary for successful learning to take place.
Maintaining and developing the mother tongue of all learners is especially important in this respect.”
Course Options
Students fully enrolled in the Diploma Program who meet the eligibility conditions outlined below have
the possibility of studying their mother tongue/L1 through Self-Taught Language A Literature at
Standard Level (this is a regular diploma option). Under certain circumstances, students may request
that they study Language A Literature at Higher Level. The nature of each of the two options is outlined
below:
Self-Taught Language A (mother tongue/L1) Literature at Standard Level
The syllabus is divided into four compulsory parts: Part 1 Works in translation (2 works); Part 2
Detailed Study (2 works); Part 3 Literary Genres (3 works); Part 4 Options (3 works) for a total of
10 works over the two year program.
Self-taught students will be assessed 100% externally by IB as follows:
Written Paper component
two written exams, externally set and assessed.
Paper 1 Guided Literary Analysis
Paper 2 Essay (based on part 3 works)
1
45%
1 ½ hrs 20%
1 ½ hrs 25%
Written assignment
A reflective statement (300-400 words) and literary
essay (1200-1500 words) on one work studied in part 1
written during the course and externally assessed
25%
Alternative Oral examination (20 minutes total)
Two compulsory oral activities externally assessed,
conducted and recorded at AISB by the self-taught coordinator.
30%
The term mother tongue is used in the research literature in various ways. It may denote the language learned first; the
language identified with as a “native” speaker; the language known best; the language used most. We use it here to encompass
any of these usages.
Individual Oral commentary (on a part 2 work extract) 10 minutes 15%
Individual Oral Presentation (on two part 4 works)
10 minutes 15%
Independent Language A (mother tongue/L1) Literature at Higher Level
The syllabus is divided into four compulsory parts: Part 1 Works in translation (3 works); Part 2
Detailed Study (3 works); Part 3 Literary genres (4 works); Part 4 Options (3 works) for a total of
13 works over the two year program.
Students will be assessed as follows:
External Assessment
Written Paper component
two written exams, externally set and assessed.
Paper 1 Commentary
Paper 2 Essay (on part 3 works)
Written assignment
A reflective statement (300-400 words) and literary
essay (1200-1500 words) on one work studied in part 1
written during the course and externally assessed
45%
2 hrs
2 hrs
20%
25%
25%
Internal Assessment
Oral component
30%
Two compulsory oral activities internally assessed
by the teacher and externally moderated by IB.
Individual Oral commentary and discussion (part 2) 20 min. (tot.) 15%
Individual Oral presentation (part 4)
10-15 minutes 15%
Eligibility Conditions
To be eligible to study their mother tongue (L1) students must meet certain criteria. The criteria for
each option are different and are as follows:
Mother Tongue (L1) Self-Taught Language A at Standard Level
 The family needs to contract a tutor who can guide the student through the program; the cost
for this will be borne by the family above and beyond the regular AISB tuition fees and the
Diploma Program supplemental fees. The ideal tutor is someone who is familiar with the
diploma program, or someone who teaches literature at university level. If there is no wellqualified tutor locally, the family may contract a tutor who is willing to work with the student
online (perhaps teaching at an IB school in home country, for example).
 The student needs to spend a minimum of 3 hours per week ‘in class’ studying the course, of
which a minimum of 1.5 hours needs to be with the tutor (again, this could be an on-line tutor).
This course will be scheduled into the student’s timetable, as if a regular class. The student will
also spend additional time completing homework and assignments as with any other class.
 The student needs to have studied their mother tongue (L1) through the equivalent of a 10th
grade level.


The student needs to have demonstrated an ability to work independently and this will be
evaluated through the student’s ATL grades, attendance record and a recommendation from
their 10th grade English teacher.
Final approval will be on an individual basis at the discretion of the DP Coordinator and the
Mother Tongue (L1) Language Coordinator.
Mother Tongue (L1) Independent Language A Literature at Higher Level
 The family needs special permission to have the student take this option given the rigorous
demands of the course and that it requires AISB gaining permission from the IB to offer this
choice.
 The family needs to contract a fully qualified teacher of literature living in Bucharest, preferably
with experience teaching the IB Diploma Program, who can actively teach the student as they
progress through the course. AISB will need to review the qualifications of the teacher before
giving final approval to follow this course. The cost for this program will be borne by the family
above and beyond the regular AISB tuition fees and the Diploma Program supplemental fees. It
is advisable that the teacher is a fluent English speaker so that the AISB Language Coordinator
can work with them to guide them through the syllabus. In addition, all the support materials
from IB are in English.
 The student needs to spend a minimum of 3 hours per week ‘in class’ studying, all of which
needs to be with their literature teacher (this does not mean that the student and teacher are
required to meet at school). The student will also spend additional time completing homework
and assignments as with any other class. As with the self-taught course, this course will be
timetabled into the student’s regular schedule.
 The student needs to have studied their mother tongue (L1) through the equivalent of a 10th
grade level and needs to be at an extremely high level of fluency in terms of their reading and
writing abilities, as well as be able to critically analyze literature at an advanced level – the
student’s ability to critically analyze literature will be based upon a recommendation from their
10th grade English teacher.
 The student needs to have demonstrated an ability to work independently and this will be
evaluated through the student’s ATL grades, attendance record and a recommendation from
their 10th grade English teacher.
 Final approval will be on an individual basis at the discretion of the DP Coordinator and the
Mother Tongue (L1) Language Coordinator.
Teacher/Tutor support
It is expected that all tutors of self-taught and HL teachers will be available for an introductory meeting
to the IB syllabus requirements. This meeting will also explain the AISB Plagiarism Policy and introduce
tutors and teachers to Turnitin.com.
Bilingual Diploma
A Bilingual Diploma will be awarded to a student who completes two languages selected from Group 1
with the award of a grade of 3 or higher.